2009 State of Social Enterprise report reveals interesting findings
The results of a survey conducted by the Social Enterprise Coalition were released yesterday in its report The State of Social Enterprise and have revealed some interesting facts and figures about the structure, success and ability to survive the recession of social enterprises. For example:
- social enterprises play a key role in the provision of public services with over a third of a sample group of businesses earning at least half of their income from contracts with local councils
- social enterprises are growing despite the recession with 56% of social enterprises increasing their turnover from last year whilst other small to medium enterprises (SME's) have increased turnover by only 28%
- social enterprises encourage female entrepreneurship: 41.1% of Board members are female compared with just 11.7% of FTSE 100 listed companies with female Board representation and 26% of social enterprises are 'women-led' compared to 14% of small businesses
The report consludes that social enterprises are playing a vital role in both the economic and social landscape of Britain. To download the State of Social Enterprise report visit the Social Enterprise Coalition website.